When are transmission-based precautions used?

Transmission-based precautions are specifically designed to prevent the spread of infections when a patient is suspected or confirmed to be infected with a contagious disease. These precautions go beyond standard infection control measures and are implemented to protect healthcare workers, other patients, and visitors from pathogens that can be transmitted through various modes, including airborne, droplet, or contact routes.

When a patient is known or believed to be contagious, the appropriate transmission-based precautions—such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation techniques, and specific cleaning protocols—are applied to minimize the risk of infection transmission. This targeted approach is crucial in managing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations in healthcare settings.

In scenarios like routine check-ups, surgical procedures unrelated to infectious disease, or every patient care situation, standard precautions typically suffice, as these procedures do not involve known risks of transmission of contagious diseases. Hence, the implementation of transmission-based precautions is reserved for those instances where there is a clear risk of infection spread.